Fireplace & Chimney Tips

Florida is a huge tourist attraction state. Beaches, Disney World, and warm weather brings an average of 100 million people each year! Our technicians are local moguls in the chimney sweep business. We service the Emerald Coast, the Gulf, all the way to Jacksonville. Do you need your chimney sweep in Pensacola, Florida? Chimney sweeps, chimney repair, and maintenance is our specialty! We are not a construction company, not a masonry company, we specialize fully in the Chimney Sweep trade. Any maintenance related to a chimney; we are the team to call. Having a professional who is an expert in their trade is what makes the difference. You would not want a car mechanic building your home, would you? It is essential to have the right person for the right job.

Hire a Pro

Chimney sweeps and inspections are a big part of the job, but we offer many other services to the residents of Pensacola. As locals to Florida, we are aware of how much rainfall, tropical storms, and hurricanes can frequent the area. Are you aware of how damaging water can be to your chimney? Water leaks are one of the most common issues we encounter when performing an inspection. Water is progressively deteriorative, which means over a prolonged amount of time, water can cause major damage. If not noticed early, a water leak can cause cracks, mold, mildew, and rust. Mold and mildew can form and cause foul odors in your chimney that are harmful to your lungs. Rust in a metal or prefabricated fireplace can decrease the strength of the structure, making it faulty to heat. One of the main benefits of hiring a professional to do a chimney sweep for you in Pensacola, Florida, is the level of expertise that comes with it. Our technicians have over 30 years of experience in the field. They are continuously trained and reminded of fire codes, hazards, and how to spot them efficiently.

Services

Our Pensacola Chimney Sweep team offers other services such as

Humane Animal Removal

Chimney Inspection

Chimney Cap Install

Creosote Removal

If you live along the Gulf Coast you know that we get a lot of rain. In fact, we get more rain than anyplace in the country, including Seattle. Therefore, when it comes to rainfall Mobile is first, Pensacola is second and Seattle is a distant 41st.

So much rain is a big deal when it comes to fireplaces and chimneys. As the Chimney Safety Institute of America explains, “water, not fire, causes most chimney damage.”

“Whether masonry or factory-built,” says the CSIA, “prolonged water exposure can result in cracks or gaps in chimneys where creosote can collect and increase the risk of fire or where noxious gases can escape into your home and expose your family to carbon monoxide.”

Fireplaces, Chimneys and Leaks

In basic terms the problem with fireplace and chimney leakage is that water combines with the creosote that remains from fires to form an acidic mixture. Over time that mixture can eat out the silica in the mortar joints.

Once the joints are no longer secure, moisture — remember all that Gulf Coast rain — can get into the house through the chimney. For example, if water comes in through the chimney and is released under the shingles it can lead to the need for a roof replacement.

Also, without proper sealing, heat from fires can travel into areas which should not be exposed to heat, dry out wood, and in some cases actually cause the wood to catch on fire.

In fact, according to a staff report by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, there are about 22,000 fires a year which are associated with fireplaces, chimneys and chimney connectors. Such fires can cause substantial damage and in some cases may lead to fatalities.

Also, without caps it does happen that birds and animals get into fireplaces. Sometimes nests are built and in some cases animals unable to get out die inside chimneys and fireplaces. Noises and odors can result from such problems.

Caps, Covers and Dampers

You can protect your household with caps, covers and dampers.

Caps with spark arresters are devices that go over the flue. They keep out both moisture and animals, plus they help prevent sparks from leaving the chimney.

Covers are at the top of the chimney, go around the flue, and protect against moisture.

Dampers are inside the chimney itself. They can help create a proper draft to achieve the best fire, plus when closed they prevent animals from getting into the house.

SootMaster Cap, Cover and Damper Services

Back in 1974, the Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a series of 12 fireplace and chimney safety tips, common-sense suggestions which continue to have value. More than 40 years later, they are still valuable today.

1. Be sure the fireplace was constructed for actual use, not just for decoration. Inspect it to be sure that it has adequate protective linings, smoke ducts and that the chimney is clear and in good repair.

2. If installing a factory-made fireplace, insure that it is not near any combustible materials and has adequate flame and heat barriers.

3. Open the damper before lighting the fire and keep it open until the ashes are cool. This will avert the build-up of poisonous gases, especially while your family is sleeping.

4. Never use gasoline, charcoal lighter or other fuel to light or relight a fire because the vapors can explode. Never keep flammable fuels near a fire as vapors can travel the length of a room and explode.

5. Do not use coal or charcoal in a fireplace because of the danger of carbon monoxide build-up. It is not a good idea to burn trash or wrappings in fireplace fires because polystyrene foam and other coated materials can generate deadly fumes. Flying paper embers could also ignite the roof.

Artificial Logs, Fireplaces & Chimneys

6. Do not treat artificial logs like real logs. Artificial logs are usually made of sawdust and wax and have special burning properties. Be sure to read the instructions on the logs and follow them carefully. Use just one log at a time and do not add an additional log until the fire is completely out. Never add an artificial log to a natural wood fire that is already burning.

Wait at least two hours before adding an artificial log to a natural log fire because it could cause a flare-up.

Additionally, do not poke artificial logs because the flaming wax could stick to the poker and drop onto the floor or carpet. Poking a log could also cause a flare-up.

7. Home rolled newspaper logs should never be soaked in flammable fuels of any kind because of the severe danger of explosion. Soaking the newspaper in water either before rolling or during rolling removes the clay content and will provide a better burning log. Then, stack the logs on end and let them dry for two weeks in the basement. When lighting the newspaper logs, use kindling just as you would for a regular fire.

8. Do not overload the fireplace. Large fires can lead to overheating of wall or roof materials, particularly if the fireplace is constructed of metal.

9. Always use a screen around the fireplace to keep sparks from flying out and to protect children and adults from accidental clothing ignition.

10. Warn children about the danger of fire. Do not let them play with fire.

11. Keep flammable materials such as carpets, pillows, furniture or papers away from the fireplace area. During the holiday season, be sure the Christmas tree is not close enough to be ignited by a spark. Be especially careful of accidentally igniting holiday wrapping papers.

12. Make sure that the fire is out completely before retiring for the night or when leaving the house.

Fireplace screens add extra allure to your fireplace and your living room as it prevents the burning wood and soot from escaping the fireplace and causing damage to your furniture, pets, kids and carpet. From a broader perspective, some customized versions of fireplace screens allow you to choose the exact variety you’re looking for based on your requirement. These screens take care of both the designer as well as the functional aspect of your fireplace.

Let’s take a look at how different types of fire screens can be beneficial for you.

Single Panel Fireplace Screen

Single panel fireplace screens offer a sleek and smart look to your fireplace. They occupy less space, are easy to handle and could be gently pushed and removed to adjust and load firewood.

Curved Panel Fireplace Screen

Curved fireplace screens certainly look dynamic and conventional, not only adding allure to your interiors but they also ensure extra coverage to your fireplace safety. They do not have legs and their curves give them support to remove and load firewood.

Folding Fireplace Screen

Folding fireplace screens are more convenient as they can be folded to load firewood and could be easily placed away during offseason. Also, its three-dimensional appearance gives it a classy appeal.

Child Guard Fireplace Screen

If you have kids running around at home, there is a risk of getting hurt by the fireplace and then child guard fireplace screens offer you just the right solution. They have extension panels and heavy duty gates to keep your child safe from fire.

Spark Guard Fireplace Screen

A fireplace is bound to create spark and flicker while burning wood or gas. So, this is a perfect screen to protect your floor, furnishings, kids and pets from catching fire. These fireplace screens can be easily removed with handles attached on frames and can last for many years. You can even order your customized version of fire screen suited to your taste and needs.

Picking Fireplace Screens

Fireplace screens are truly a wonderful way to protect your home and hearth provided you inspect and clean your fireplace regularly. They also accentuate your home decor keeping warmth and happiness flowing in abundance during the cold winter months. You can pick any fireplace screen to either fulfill a function, such as keeping you and your family safe or to fit your home design and make it even more beautiful.

Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, many people are using their spare time at the house to knock-out their errands that usually do not get done. Have you changed the water filter in your fridge? Did you forget to clean out your dryer vent? When is the last time your driveway got pressure washed? Cleaning may seem insignificant, but we need to do it regardless! Let us add one to your list, which is arguably one of the most important. Do you know if a Chimney Sweep has cleaned and inspected your chimney? A chimney sweep is a perfect chore to have someone else, like a chimney sweep, do! Chimney sweeping is tedious, dirty, and dangerous.

Our technicians have years of experience with equipment and working on roofs to carry out necessary chimney sweeps. Why do we need chimney sweeps? A chimney sweep inspection is recommended at least once a year by the Chimney Safety Institute of America, or the CSIA. The inspection allows a chimney sweep to notice if there is a chimney leak, animals inside the chimney, or any other issues that may affect the home or your health. A chimney sweep is vital to protecting your home. Without proper cleaning, a chimney has a higher chance of catching fire or damaging your home and belongings.

We are a little more than halfway into our year of 2020, and although it has not been one of the most riveting, the question still stands- have you had your annual chimney inspection? With the presidential election, a global pandemic, and civil rights protests, we understand that it may be easy to forget about your chimney inspection. That is why we want to remind you how important it is! The Chimney Safety Institute of America or the CSIA is the commission in which certifies our technicians and acts as the foundation for the safety protocols we practice as Chimney Sweeps. The CSIA recommends one annual chimney inspection to ensure safety and proper usage. It is never too late to get a chimney inspection! Chimney sweeps operate year-round, the off-season being in the summer and the busiest times being in the Fall. We always suggest that you get a chimney inspection during the summer, so that you can get in appointment in while you can. During the Fall, chimney sweep servicing companies tend to get booked 3-6 weeks ahead at a time, since the weather is colder, more people need to use their fireplace for warmth.

Level One Inspection is the most common type of inspection. If you do not use your fireplace often, or only a few times a year with no issues then this will be the inspection suggested. A level one inspection includes a visual investigation of the flue and all readily accessible areas of the chimney. This includes chimney exterior and portions of the interior. Technicians will look for visible signs of damage, wear, or cracks.

Level Two Inspection is typically done when they are changes being made. For example, a level two inspection is necessary when you are going to sell your home, relining a flue, or changing the type of fuel you use for your fireplace. Level two inspections are also needed when a major accident happens that may have damaged your chimney. Earthquakes, hurricanes, or any external damage that occurred to your chimney will have to be inspected to ensure that it is safe to use. A ladder is used to access the roof to view the chimney from the top. A camera, called a “Chim-Scan” can be utilized to look through all areas of the inside of the chimney.

Level Three Inspection least common inspection, it is the most thorough inspection and the most all-inclusive. The technician will provide an in-depth report of your chimney by examining all areas of the chimney, inside and out. Exterior, interior, readily accessible, and even concealed areas of the chimney will be surveyed for safety. Removal of structures or parts of the chimney may be necessary. The technician will do a full examination of the chimney, unlike level one or two, a level three inspection implies that there is an underlying issue in hard to reach concealed areas.

As summer comes to an end, appointments and bookings rise. Right before the fall, which is prime time for using your fireplace, many people will schedule their recommended annual CSIA certified inspection. During this time, all chimney sweep technicians and companies receive a heightened number of chimney sweep service calls and inspections so you may experience longer than normal wait times for an appointment. Summer is the off-season for our technicians, but we work year-round! With a more open schedule in the summer, our teams can work around you.

Planning can get you ahead, getting the peace of mind your chimney is clean and ready for use before Fall can do that for you. You most likely have not used your chimney for most of the year while temperatures are high, and then you go to light the first fire of the year. Before you know it, smoke fills your home and lungs and you are coughing up a storm. Since your last fire, any number of issues may have occurred. Rain may have found its way into your chimney, creosote may be leftover from last season, soot could have built up in the chimney and reservoir. There is no sure-fire way to know without an inspection. Without looking in the chimney, you cannot tell how dirty it is. With a level one inspection, our chimney sweep can spot any issues and repair them accordingly. By getting you prepared and ready for the next cold snap, you will be able to use your fireplace to warm your home, without having to worry about a chimney fire.

Heat and humidity during the summer can also cause foul odors and smells inside your home. Do you notice an unpleasant odor near your chimney? The heat will cause the stench of creosote to become stronger. It is important to have creosote removed as soon as possible because it is a super flammable material. Creosote is likely the culprit, but sometimes prolonged exposure to water can form mold or mildew in your chimney. We find this common issue on inspections all the time, but it is more common during the spring/summer months because of heavy rainfall. Water damage is important to repair or stop early, over long periods of time water can cause major damage that can be expensive to fix.

As the temperature rises, summer closes in. Brace yourself, this is also the same time that hurricanes frequent the lower eastern coast of America. Fortunately for you, our service areas cover a considerable area of the east coast. Hurricane season, which starts on July 1st and ends on November 30th, usually brings menacing storms that have the potential to cause major damage. We have some tips and advice for you this hurricane season to help you protect your home. Rain and water are some of the most corrosive materials, especially when unattended for long periods of time. Chimney leaks are one of the most common issues we find when performing a chimney inspection. Chimney leaks can cause mold inside the chimney, which causes a foul odor and is harmful to breathe. A water leak can also mix with the sooty build-up, or creosote, causing acidic cracks. A chimney cap is an easy, low-cost, install to stop these problems at the source.

Do I Need a Chimney Cap?

Animals and Wildlife

Animals frequent chimneys as a place for shelter. This is a reoccurring issue we find in homes often. Do you hear the flapping of wings or little scratches inside your chimney? You may have an animal in there! Animals use chimneys for shelter because it will protect them from inclement weather and predators. Bats, birds, and raccoons are just some of the animals that can be found in your chimney, no matter how cute some of them are, they still can cause damage. It is important to remove an animal from your chimney for their safety and for yours. At Sootmaster Chimney Sweeps, we practice humane animal removal.

Moisture Control

Water can seep into a chimney from heavy rainfall, even from the tiniest cracks! A regular annual inspection can help you spot these problems before they get worse. A small leak can turn into a very large leak and cause damage over time. Hurricanes, or inclement weather, can disturb the seals on your chimney. Does it sound like water is leaking in your chimney, or is there a mildew-like smell? You may have a water leak. We utilize three levels of inspection to detect any issues of this nature. Our inspections include using high-end technology to get a camera-scan of your chimney from the inside out.

Fire Protection

Foliage and twigs are found in chimneys that do not have chimney caps often, especially after a torrent of high winds. Leaves and small branches that make their way into your chimney can be found at the hearth of the chimney and can cause a mess. Sometimes, twigs may get lodged within the chimney, without you ever knowing. It’s important to remove any blockages in the chimney, without doing so it can cause a fire. Embers may find their way to the top of the chimney, exiting at hot temperatures. Foliage can mix with these embers and cause a small fire at the very top of your chimney or even on the roof! This can be easily avoided with a chimney cap, which prevents burning particles from escaping.

The primary purpose of a fireplace is to maintain the combustion of wood into heat and drafting out harmful gases and smoke out of the building. Smoke travels through the chimney to the outside air, instead of inside the home. When a good draft is not present, a low draft allows carbon monoxide, soot, and smoke to permeate. A good draft is necessary to keep a fire burning. This allows oxygen to continuously get to the fire, and smoke to dispel through the flue, and out the chimney. Knowing how a draft problem starts is an easy way to solve the issue.

Structural and Fire Code

An improper draft is typically able to be noticed. You can spot a draft problem by inspecting the masonry. If the façade, front of the fireplace, hearth, or hearth extension is layered with an unusual amount of soot; you may have a drafting problem. A fireplace with an incorrect design may be the culprit. The flue, which is a ceramic-lined passageway that is inside the chimney could not be proportionate to the firebox. An incorrect design is unfortunately a common occurrence in fireplace masonry, in which fire codes from the Chimney Safety Institute of America are ignored in the building process. Therefore, it is so important to hire a professional who is CSIA certified. If a chimney is not tall enough it will not draft properly. A taller chimney will draft air better than a shorter one. Chimney sweep technicians can extend a chimney by adding masonry to increase the height. Have you checked your lockbox or damper opening? If you have not burned a fire all season, and you go to light your first fire of the year and it is not drafting properly. Sometimes fixing a draft issue is as easy as opening your lockbox or damper. If they are closed, it will not allow smoke to reach the flue. Another common issue is if the firebox is too shallow, or too deep, smoke will not properly draft.

Wood and Fuel

Unseasoned wood, greenwood, or the wrong type of wood can cause drafting issues by producing too much smoke. As mentioned in our previous blog “Wood-Burning Tips” we discussed how important it is to use the right fuel for your fire. Wood must season for one year to dry before it can be burned. For optimal use, seasoned wood must also be split and stacked in a way that oxygen can reach all parts of the fire. A helpful tip is to push the logs as far back to the hearth that you can. This will give the smoke from the fire less of a chance to draft out of the hearth into the home, and through the chimney.

Blockages

Blockages in the chimney will not allow the smoke to exit the chimney through the flue. If the blockage is big enough, it will push smoke downwards if it does not escape fast enough. Large amounts of creosote, which is a hardened form of soot, can line the flue. Creosote is dangerous and should be removed immediately. It is a highly flammable material that is toxic to humans. It is the leading cause for chimney fires every year and can accumulate quickly if you do not have your chimney swept regularly. Birds, bats, raccoons, and other animals can block your chimney as well! It is more common than you think, a chimney is a perfect place for shelter for small animals. We are familiar with this issue, as many chimney sweeps are, and we practice humane animal removal. Animals in your chimney can create a nest that can damage the structural integrity of your chimney. Droppings left by animals can accumulate in the firebox and cause respiratory health issues. If you have an animal or are hearing signs that you may have one, it is important to call a specialist as soon as possible. Chimneys are an easy way in, but many animals have a hard time escaping. Any blockages in your chimney can affect your draft heavily, but it can also become a part of the air you breathe. Chimney Sweeps remove blockages for you upon inspection.

Air Vents

In rare cases, the home itself can be causing a draft issue in your fireplace! A “mini-draft” could be happening because of an air vent, a fan, or air being allowed to escape somewhere other than the chimney. When a fire is burning inside a home, the air is pulled up through the chimney. This air must be replaced in the home with outside air. As smoke rises with heat, cool air is brought back in. If air is not allowed to refill the home, it can cause a smoke draft problem. Newer homes that are more air-tight do not allow adequate air to re-enter the house after combustion. A fresh air intake design can be installed in the fireplace which is a valve that allows smoke to leave the house properly.

Inspection

Pensacola is a surprising town. Sure there’s the beach, the Blue Angels and a great downtown area but there’s more to the story. Pensacola is the place where turbines for wind generators are made. It has an “international” airport, meaning you can go through customs without the hassles of a major big-city hub. And it has the National Naval Aviation Museum, one of the Top 20 museums in the country.

Pensacola, says the Huffington Post, “is 136 miles from the nearest nuclear generating plant and the last local earthquake took place in 1781. The beach is immaculate, the seasons are mild and there’s something else: unlike many coastal Florida towns, Pensacola has a good elevation. The city is generally 55 feet above sea level compared with just a few feet for Miami or Naples.”

The experts at SootMaster have been fixing local fireplaces and chimneys in Pensacola for years and years. We’re very familiar with the housing stock and the large number of single-story brick homes which are common throughout the area.

Pensacola Chimney & Fireplace Repair

Fort Walton Beach is a natural paradise which features great swimming, terrific fishing and beautiful beaches with their famous crunchy white sand. Located on the Gulf of Mexico between Destin to the east and Pensacola to the west, it is also adjacent to the Eglin Air Force Base, a facility which includes huge stretches of forest preserves within its more than 700 square miles.

The history of the Fort Walton Beach area goes back about as far as any place in North America. The city-owned Indian Temple Mound Museum includes “exhibits depicting 12,000 years of Native American occupation. Over 1,000 artifacts of stone, bone, clay and shell are here, as well as one of the finest collections of prehistoric ceramics in the Southeastern United States. Exhibits also include artifacts from the European Explorers, local pirates, and early settlers.”

What Causes Chimney Leaks

As we approach the colder months, many of us surely want to know that all is right with our fireplaces and chimney systems. Sometimes there are problems that must be addressed prior to enjoying a winter of cozy fires. One major issue is chimney leaks. Your chimney could potentially cause further problems, so it is important to deal with the smaller glitches early on.

So, what causes chimney leaks? Let’s take a look at the most common causes of a leaky chimney:

A Damaged or Missing Chimney Cap

When your chimney has no cover, rain and other undesirable things (leaves, bugs and even birds) can fall straight down inside it. The easy fix here is to just invest in a chimney cover. Without one, not only will water leak in, but the other gunk will too, which is worse because it can clog the chimney and cause smoke to back up into the house.

Damaged Flashing

The flashing is the material, usually aluminum, which surrounds the part of the chimney that pokes out of your rooftop, and bends over both the side of the chimney and roofing shingles. Flashing keeps water from coming down between the chimney and roof.

Masonry Water Leak Damage

Over time, the mortar and cement holding the chimney together may crack, and so do the bricks themselves. When this happens, water can fall down inside of the chimney and the house. Worse still, chimney walls in shaded areas will stay wet longer after rain and the bricks will also absorb this water and eventually expel it into the house.

Signs of A Leaky Chimney

Many homeowners falsely assume that a leaky chimney will present itself as visible water in the fireplace or flue. However, due to the size and complexity of most chimney systems, chimney leaks are often not recognized until they’ve already caused significant damage.

Below are some of the signs that may indicate your chimney is leaking: • Water or condensation inside the firebox. • Sound of dripping water in the chimney. • Moisture, leaks, or water staining on walls or ceilings around chimney. • Musty or dank odors, especially after it rains. • Cracked or spalled interior or exterior masonry.

Preventing Chimney Leaks

The best way to prevent a chimney leak is to have regular preventative maintenance done on your fireplace and chimney. Annual Chimney Sweepings and Chimney Inspections can often identify any new chimney or masonry damage. Identifying the problem early will allow you to have it repaired before it leads to a chimney leak.

A chimney is a great addition to the home and if you are are lucky enough to have a furnace in your home it is best to do chimney cleaning on a regular basis. This is necessary seeing that an unkept chimney can probably decrease the effectivity of your fireplace, whereas a regularly maintained one can often do wonders for your mantelpiece. Moreover, you may also ultimately want to shell out more money in the long run as failure to maintain your chimney can do irreparable harm to your chimney. Apart from this cost, you wouldn’t want to suffer the inconvenience of having to do a chimney repair.

Chimney cleaning has become a necessity for the proper functioning of your chimney and is made up of a number of stages. Hereby ensuring that your chimney is safe for the whole of your winter season while enjoying the heat of our fireplace. So, what you need to do is learn the basic methods or procedures of chimney cleaning and do it to change the efficiency of your chimney in a positive way.

Chimney Cleaning Increases Functionality

Most Americans have a tendency to take their chimney cleaning for granted. However, in due time, they will discover that they should have maintained it properly, and this is because there are numerous negative effects that usually show up when you do not take this chore seriously. For one, a number of objects that may additionally have gathered in your flues, such as bird nests, paper, and different particles might also probably trap the fire, thereby inflicting damage to your home. Not only will this potentially deliver damage, but it can even compromise the protection of your home.

Increase Chimney’s Efficiency

Another reason why you should clean your chimney at regular intervals  is that it tends to make your fireplace work greater successfully for you. Winter time is in particular difficult to get through with the freezing weather and all, but it is even worse if your fireplace does not provide that much warmth because it has not been maintained properly. Once you do a thorough chimney cleaning using your chimney cleaning brush, then you are assured of a higher performing fireplace.

Clean Chemical Compounds

The final purpose why you actually need to often smooth your chimney is that different kinds of firewood and other stuff that you burn in your furnace tends to leave chemical compounds and other undesirable residue in your chimney lining. This, in turn, can again be unsafe to your health, as well as decreasing the efficiency of your chimney.

Get Chimney Cleaning from Professionals

In cleaning out your chimney, however, you have two choices: you can either do it yourself using chimney sweep tools, or you can make use of an expert chimney sweeper who can do this for you. It would be more helpful to do the latter, because of the inherent dangers connected to chimney cleaning. On the contrary, a chimney sweeper can better do this mission for you, and this is because they have significant experience when it comes to this task, thereby guaranteeing you that you only get the first-class service.

Use Professional Chimney Cleaning Tools

Moreover, a chimney sweeper additionally has specific chimney sweep tools to suit every kind of fireplace. For example, they might also have the proper chimney cleaning brush that can help optimize the cleaning experience. Different chimneys, after all, require different tools. As a matter of fact, the right-sized chimney cleaning brush must ideally be as giant as the liner in the shape that works best for thorough cleaning. For most chimney sweepers, a wire brush is the most effective cleansing device for masonry structures. Again, you can, in reality, do this chore yourself, and this often results in doing double the work. It is advisable to rather go with a chimney sweeper as they can greatly help you preserve the aesthetic beauty and efficient use of your chimney.

If you’re placing the last touches on a new home or reviewing your winter guidelines for an older home, your fireplace chimney’s cap must be one of the items to check. Whether you want to recap a previously installed chimney or select a new one for a recent construction, having a chimney cap is all important. One prerequisite of any chimney cap you purchase is that it comes with some kind of quality warranty. There are also plenty of other things to consider. Here are some of them.

Selection of Chimney Cap

Chimney caps are very useful addition to any residence. For a small amount of money, they add both a lot of safety, protection as well as styling to your chimney top. These products are available in all kinds of varieties. Metal variations are the most popular. Copper and stainless steel are the most popular metals used for fabricating chimney caps.

Copper chimney caps look great and also last a long time. Over time, the copper will get oxidized from exposure to gases and acquire a beautiful design. This is typically referred  to as the patina of the metal and the color blends with the darkening or bronzing of the copper. Property owners, architects/designers are attracted to this appear and view it as a massive asset to add to a home!

Stainless steel is also a very popular choice. These kinds of caps come at a higher price than copper. However, the higher price tag is justified for the high rust-resistance and durability they offer.

Benefits of Chimney Cap Installation

Chimney cap installation is necessary to secure your chimney against weather elements as well as corrosion from internal fumes.

Prevent From Rain and Debris

Chimney caps prevent rain and animals from getting inside your home and fireplace chimney. Functionally, chimney caps grant safety for your structure’s indoors from outside factors that can reason troubles and damage. Birds, small animals, embers, wind, hail, and rain are examples of these problems.

Birds can construct nests in the stack area of your chimney at any time. Small animals like squirrels can do the same. If a fire is started using wood, the flammable twigs used in making these nests can catch fire. Rainwater that enters the chimney and flue can create water damage and undesirable odors. Also, wind may additionally lead to downdrafts and make the smoke enter your home instead of going out.

Prevention from Sparks and Embers

Spark arrestors is a common name given to chimney caps. This is so because the cap is in an area to help prevent the sparks and embers from flying up the chimney. They also prevent these from landing on your home’s roof. Any such coincidence can easily lead to a fire on your roof which may go unnoticed until it is too late.

Qualities of the Perfect Type of Chimney Cap

There are other technical concerns when selecting the perfect type of chimney cap for installation. These technicalities are best left to a specialist who understands how different chimney cap models handle the differing needs of chimneys.

Vacuum for Smoke

Your chimney may require an ornamental shroud style cap. This will provide standard safety from exterior elements. If your having having trouble with the updraft which takes the smoke up and out of your home, a product with a vacuum machine built-in in it would be required. Some vacuum models are cheap while others cost a fair bit of money. Speak to a chimney expert to know which one will deliver the desired performance.

Retain Cold and Hot Air

Some kinds of chimneys have in-built dampers. These are the appropriate solution for many older properties which do not have an inherent method for air management. The damper is managed through a lever close to the fireplace. The lever is connected commonly with a cable that runs up the flue to the damper. It is strongly advised that you should contact a roofing/hearth expert to decide what fashion and/or model is right for your particular requirements.

Where Can You Get Professional Advice for Selecting the Right Chimney Cap?

Fireplace screens add extra allure to your fireplace and your living room as it prevents the burning wood and soot from escaping the fireplace and causing damage to your furniture, pets, kids and carpet. From a broader perspective, some customized versions of fireplace screens allow you to choose the exact variety you’re looking for based on your requirement. These screens take care of both the designer as well as the functional aspect of your fireplace.

Let’s take a look at how different types of fire screens can be beneficial for you.

Single Panel Fireplace Screen

Single panel fireplace screens offer a sleek and smart look to your fireplace. They occupy less space, are easy to handle and could be gently pushed and removed to adjust and load firewood.

Curved Panel Fireplace Screen

Curved fireplace screens certainly look dynamic and conventional, not only adding allure to your interiors but they also ensure extra coverage to your fireplace safety. They do not have legs and their curves give them support to remove and load firewood.

Folding Fireplace Screen

Folding fireplace screens are more convenient as they can be folded to load firewood and could be easily placed away during offseason. Also, its three-dimensional appearance gives it a classy appeal.

Child Guard Fireplace Screen

If you have kids running around at home, there is a risk of getting hurt by the fireplace and then child guard fireplace screens offer you just the right solution. They have extension panels and heavy duty gates to keep your child safe from fire.

Spark Guard Fireplace Screen

A fireplace is bound to create spark and flicker while burning wood or gas. So, this is a perfect screen to protect your floor, furnishings, kids and pets from catching fire. These fireplace screens can be easily removed with handles attached on frames and can last for many years. You can even order your customized version of fire screen suited to your taste and needs.

Picking Fireplace Screens

If a chimney is not properly cared for, the results can be severe. A number of issues can arise when a chimney is not regularly cleaned and maintained. One common problem is the obstruction of the chimney which blocks smoke and dangerous gases from leaving the house and into the air outside. You can clean your chimney yourself, but it is usually best to hire chimney cleaning contractors to do it for you, due to the complexity for chimneys.  A clean and clear chimney is vital to the safety of you and your loved ones when using your fireplace.

If you’ve scheduled a chimney inspection with chimney cleaning contractors, then you might be wondering what to expect from them. Certified contractors will ensure all accessible parts of the chimney are properly inspected so you can rest easy when lighting your fireplace any time or season.

Essential Areas Chimney Cleaning Contractors Should Inspect

1. Structural Integrity

A chimney inspector will first assess the interior and exterior of the chimney. They will mainly look for signs of structural failure or flaws, as the collapse of a chimney could cause significant damage to the roof. They will also look at the fireplace for signs of excessive wear and tear that could lead to hazards down the line.

2. Checking for Clearance

They will then examine your fireplace and flue to see how it handles the processes of burning and ventilation. A significant observation to be made at this point is to see whether combustibles or flammables can escape safely and that they do not touch any building materials inside or outside of the home.

3. Assessing Combustible Deposits

After using the fireplace for a while, byproducts of the chemical reaction like creosote may accumulate inside of the flue. Though they are natural, these are combustible, and they could result in an uncontrollable chimney fire. A standard chimney inspection involves the detection of these byproducts, while more advanced examinations may include a camera scan.

4. Excess Creosote

One of the most hazardous substances your chimney can experience is creosote. This chemical forms as your fires burn in the fireplace.  However, certain things like unseasoned wood, restricted air flow, and a cold chimney can increase its accumulation. Creosote is highly flammable and may result into damages that may cost you a lot in repair jobs, and too much of it in your fireplace can easily create a fire in the chimney.

Chimney fires should be taken seriously. They often occur when occupants are unaware, and cause a lot of harm to the structure of the chimney. The intense heat can melt mortar, crack bricks, and encourage the formation of gaps, which can lead to the chimney falling apart, and thus damaging your roof. If you have a build up of creosote in your chimney, each time a fire is lit, you’re compromising the safety of your home. Flames can easily make their way through any damaged sections of your chimney, catching adjacent woodwork and roofing materials on fire. Creosote should therefore be addressed immediately by hiring chimney cleaning contractors to clear out any build up.

5. Obstructions

Clogging and other blockages are other issues that should not be overlooked. Too often, leaves, twigs, dirt, and different types of debris get into the chimney system and cause it to clog, blocking ventilation. Animals could also find their way in once in a while. Lighting fires when blockages are present is a bad idea. It will prevent air flow from properly escaping, causing smoke to back up and forcing occupants to inhale hazardous toxins and fumes. You could also set the blockage on fire, thus causing a chimney fire.

The above are the main things chimney cleaning contractors should check during their inspections.  However, they should not ignore any necessary repairs in the system, even if they aren’t of reasons on this list. Even small cracks and holes can cause significant structural issues in the long run and your chimney is at risk to collapse. Talk to chimney cleaning contractors regarding your concerns, then allow them to take a thorough look at your chimney, so they can spot and solve these problems before they worsen.